International Association of Machinists, District #54

The International Association of Machinists, District #54 (f.1913) is a District Lodge, in Cleveland, Ohio, of the parent organization which was founded in May 1888. For more than a century the IAM has served the needs of its membership employed in the machine-tool industry. District 54 was formed in 1913 at the request of the international leadership to coordinate the interests and activities of a number of Cleveland local lodges and to combat the anti-labor movement of the National Association of Manufacturers. Local Lodge #83, established in January 1890, which later merged with several other locals in 1919 to become Local #439, and Auto Mechanics Local #1363 comprised the bulk of District #54's membership and financial support until the 1930s when the National Recovery Act enabled the IAM to expand its ranks. Between 1933 and 1940, nearly a dozen locals were chartered, but financial difficulties and philosophical differences weakened both the local lodges and District Lodge #54.

In 1938 after a reorganization under guidance of the Grand Lodge, which restructured the bylaws and finances of the District Lodge, and the election of a reform-oriented slate of officers headed by Matthew DeMore as President, District #54 achieved stability. Under DeMore's leadership (1939-1961) and with the assistance of a volunteer organizing committee, the membership grew from 4500 in 1939 to 15,000 in 1941. DeMore, considered by the business community to be fair-minded and honest, saw the district through the labor difficulties of World War II; disaffiliation from the American Federation of Labor (AF of L); and several lengthy strikes and bitter jurisdictional disputes during the 1940s and 1950s. Although DeMore was an active participant in these strikes, he advocated the strike weapon only as a last resort. DeMore's tenure with District #54 included his participation in other labor organizations. He served as vice-president of the Ohio AFofL-CIO and the Cleveland AFofL-CIO. He was also a director for the State Council of Machinists. DeMore's career culminated with his election to the office of general secretary-treasurer of the IAM in 1965. Upon his retirement in 1969, DeMore continued his involvement in popular causes through his work with the National Council of Senior Citizens and other activities for the aged.

Known for its progressive social policies, the IAM often led other Unions in pursuing better wages, working conditions and benefits for its members. District #54 provided a model for other lodges to emulate in contract negotiations which produced health and welfare benefits such as medical insurance and guaranteed pension plans. District #54 was also interested in its members outside the workplace, and instituted a number of cooperative enterprises including the Cleveland Homes Committee to provide quality homes for a reasonable price; the Co-Op of Cleveland, a consumer cooperative open to all Union members; and its most successful endeavor, the Union Eye Care Center.

District #54 officials, especially Matthew DeMore, also supported other elements of the labor community including the Cleveland Federation of Labor, Ohio State Council of Machinists and the Tool and Die Conference. The Cleveland and Ohio branches of the Machinist's Non-Partisan Political League were among the strongest in the organization. District #54 also provided leadership at the Grand Lodge level when DeMore became an International Vice-President in 1961 and General Secretary-Treasurer in 1965, the second highest elected position in the IAM.

District #54's post-war membership reflects the decline of the machine-tool industry in Cleveland. From 19,000 in 1961, it has decreased to 12,000 in the late 1980s. However, District #54 remained a training ground for leadership in the organization; IAM president, William Winpisinger, came from the Cleveland area.

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for the International Association of Machinists and Aerospace Workers

click here to view the Encyclopedia of Cleveland History entry for Matthew DeMore

From the guide to the International Association of Machinists, District #54 Records, 1903-1965, 1945-1965, (Western Reserve Historical Society)